Retreat Overview
Escape the overwhelm, break free from the cycles of exhaustion and find your footing in the stillness of Alentejo’s countryside. This retreat is designed to help you reconnect with yourself, restore your energy, and build lasting habits to prevent burnout. You’ll leave with tools to maintain resilience, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Each day blends exploration and recovery where you can step away from the demands of daily life and soak up Alentejo’s relaxed charm, with its vineyards, endless beaches, natural beauty, and world-class waves. All meals are included alongside boutique accommodation.
Why Attend
Preventing burnout goes beyond just rest.
It’s about learning the tools to maintain balance
and sustain your energy.
This retreat offers:
- A nurturing environment to restore focus and recharge
- Practical strategies to manage stress and build resilience.
- Time to reconnect with yourself, away from everyday distractions.
- Build confidence and embrace the unpredictable nature of the creative process.
- A thoughtful mix of activities and downtime for reflection.
- A supportive space to share and grow alongside others who understand you.
What's included?
- Comfortable accommodation and nourishing meals to support your journey
- Daily surf lessons with expert instructors to help you connect with the waves
- Movement and mindfulness sessions to calm your mind and restore your body
- Creative psycho-education workshops to build understanding and confidence
- Pre- and post-retreat support to guide you every step of the way
- Transportation during the retreat so you can relax and focus on healing
- Airport transfers to ensure your arrival and departure are stress-free
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights costs
- Additional treatments
- Additional activities not included in the itinerary
Everyday Practice
Movement Practice
Begin your day with exercises designed to awaken your body and mind. These guided practices enhance body awareness, foster calm, and set the tone for a restorative day ahead.
Psycho Education
Understand the “why” behind your experiences, with sessions led by experts on the science of burnout. Learn practical strategies to build resilience, maintain energy, and prevent stress from overwhelming your life.
Surfing
Find freedom in the rhythm of the ocean. Surfing immerses you in the present moment, and helps you tap into a state of flow where you will gain focus, let go of stress, and learn to balance (literally and metaphorically!)
Group Work
Connect in a safe environment through guided group sessions. Share experiences, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful connections with others on a similar journey.
Memory Consolidation & Relaxation
Unwind with Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), or guided meditation, that helps you integrate the day’s insights. These sessions leave you feeling centred, calm, and ready for the next chapter.
Our retreats follow a daily itinerary:
-
Sunday
Everyone starts to arrive
Arrivals & Introductions
Dinner
-
Monday
07.15-8.00: Movement Practise the roof terrace
08.00-09.00: Breakfast
09.15-10.15: Psycho-education workshop
10.30-15.00: Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)
15:30-17.30: Experiential Group Therapy session
18.00-19.00: Body stretching, Mindfulness, Meditation
19.30-20:30: Dinner
-
Tuesday
07.15-8.00: Movement Practise the roof terrace
08.00-09.00: Breakfast
09.15-10.15: Psycho-education workshop
10.30-15.00: Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)
15:30-17.30: Experiential Group Therapy session
18.00-19.00: Body stretching, Mindfulness, Meditation
19.30-20:30: Dinner
-
Wednesday
07.15-8.00: Movement Practise the roof terrace
08.00-09.00: Breakfast
09.15-10.15: Psycho-education workshop
10.30-15.00: Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)
15:30-17.30: Experiential Group Therapy session
18.00-19.00: Body stretching, Mindfulness, Meditation
19.30-20:30: Dinner
-
Thursday
08.00-09.00: Breakfast
09.15-17.00: Day off the program with the possibility of additional optional activities
19.30-20:30: Dinner
-
Friday
07.15-8.00: Movement Practise the roof terrace
08.00-09.00: Breakfast
09.15-10.15: Psycho-education workshop
10.30-15.00: Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)
15:30-17.30: Experiential Group Therapy session
18.00-19.00: Body stretching, Mindfulness, Meditation
19.30-20:30: Dinner
-
Saturday
07.15-8.00: Movement Practise the roof terrace
08.00-09.00: Breakfast
09.15-10.15: Psycho-education workshop
10.30-15.00: Surf school (includes lunch on the beach)
15:30-17.30: Experiential Group Therapy session
18.00-19.00: Body stretching, Mindfulness, Meditation
19.30-20:30: Dinner
-
Sunday
08.00-09.00: Breakfast
09.15-10.15: Psycho-education & Group Therapy session
10.30-15.00: Depart
Where you'll stay
Location: Alentejo, Portugal
Located in the heart of Alentejo, Portugal, this retreat takes place in one of Europe’s most tranquil and scenic regions. Known for its rolling hills, cork forests, and peaceful atmosphere, Alentejo offers the perfect setting to unwind and recharge.
Accommodation: Lapoint
Tucked just a short drive from the ocean, this villa is surrounded by open fields and the tranquil beauty of the Portuguese countryside. Recently renovated, it blends rustic charm with modern amenities, offering the perfect balance of tradition and comfort. With its laid-back atmosphere and cozy vibe, you’ll feel instantly at home.
Relax in boutique accommodation that combines modern comforts with the rustic charm of the Portuguese countryside. Each room is thoughtfully designed to promote rest, with full board featuring locally sourced meals.
Meet your hosts
Josh Dickson
-
Read bio
Josh Dickson, the founder of Resurface, leads our retreats and guides clients on their journey of self-discovery and growth. With his unique talent for delivering psycho-education and group therapy, Josh creates a profound impact, fostering a deep sense of trust and safety. His authentic approach and expertise ensure that every individual feels supported and understood.
As a leading psychologist specialising in trauma and recovery, Josh draws on over 15 years of experience in positive psychology—the science of human flourishing. His dedication and skill in guiding clients from surviving to thriving make him a seasoned expert who delivers incredible results. At Resurface, Josh’s compassionate and effective methods help individuals overcome challenges and achieve lasting transformation.
MSc., ADAP, EMDR (acc.), EMDR Consultant, Clinical Director.
FAQ
-
When does the retreat start and finish?
Guests arrive the afternoon/evening of the Sunday (dinner is provided). The first day of therapeutic activity is the Monday.
-
What airport should I fly to?
The nearest airport is Lisbon. Most clients will be arriving in the evening and all transfers are taken care of to and from Lisbon.
-
Do I have to know how to surf?
Not at all. We welcome people of all abilities from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Most people come without knowing how to surf.
-
Do I need to rent surf equipment?
No, all equipment is provided. Before the retreat starts we will contact you to measure up wetsuits and any other surf needs you might have. We have an array of soft and hardboards for you to use.
-
Do I Need Insurance?
Yes. All participants need travel insurance to attend the retreats. Surfing is usually included in all travel insurance policies.
-
Do I have to share a room?
Although sharing a room isn’t compulsory, it is highly recommended. There is limited availability for single room occupancy and the price is higher. Sharing rooms is encouraged as this allows for greater bonding, a sense of connection and community, and allows you to off load in a more intimate way at the end of the day. We take great care in selecting appropriate room-mates and do our best to suit your needs.
-
Is there an age limit for attending the programme?
Yes, participants must be 18 or over unless accompanied by an adult.
-
What is your drink and drug policy?
We ask that people refrain from drinking or any form of using on the retreats to create a safe place for people to recover. If you are doing anything illegal we have the right to ask you to leave.
Overcoming Burnout Retreat - 27 April – 04 May, 2025 (7 days)
From: £1,950 Register Interest